Septal Defects

Definition

Septal defects are problems with the structure of the heart. They are present at birth. Septal defects are located on the inside of the heart. They are on a wall that separates the chambers of the heart. There are 2 upper chambers of the heart called atria. 2 lower chambers of the heart are called ventricles.

In a healthy heart, the blood flows from the body to the right atrium. The blood then goes into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps this blood to the lungs to pick up fresh oxygen. The blood then returns to the left side of the heart. It enters the left atrium first, then down to the left ventricle. The left ventricle pushes the blood out to the rest of the body.

Septal defects allow the blood to move between the left and right chambers. The blood most often moves from the left side of the heart into the right side. This means that blood that has just returned from the lungs may end up being sent right back to the lungs. As a result, both the heart and lungs have to work harder than they need to work.

There are 3 main types of septal defects:

Atrial septal defect (ASD)—a hole in the wall between the 2 upper chambers (atrium) of the heart

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)—a hole in the wall between the 2 lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)—a combination of ASD, VSD, and problems with opening between chambers called valves

The stress of pushing extra blood to the lungs may lead to heart failure. The following information applies to all 3 of these defects except where noted.

The type of surgery used most often for septal defects is open-heart surgery. The hole is closed with stitches or a patch. In AVSD, the abnormal valves are also repaired.

Living With Septal Defects

Certain septal defects may increase the risk of infections in the heart. You may need to take antibiotics before certain medical and dental procedures to decrease the risk of this infection. Check with your doctor to see if you need to do this. If you do need to take antibiotics, ask your doctor to explain when they may be needed.

Prevention

Follow these prevention guidelines:

Talk to your doctor before considering pregnancy.

Go to all prenatal screening tests.

Avoid alcohol and drugs during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of having a child with
Down syndrome. One type of AVSD is associated with the syndrome.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.